OCTOBER 21, 2025 – On October 11, 2025, a UH-72 Lakota helicopter from Task Force Sentinel took off from Tucson International Airport for a routine mission. The air crew consisted of Soldiers from the California National Guard and a Border Patrol Agent. The mission originally began as an air support request in response to a report of six Illegal Aliens moving on foot in the Nogales Area of Responsibility. En route to the site to provide overhead support to on-ground Border Patrol Agents (BPAs), the crew approached Montana Peak, an area known for its isolated and uneven terrain.
The on-ground BPAs were able to apprehend two of the subjects, while the other suspected IAs went undetected. The search continued as the crew used their eyesight and a powerful sensor equipped in the Lakota to spot the rest of the group.
“The area we were working in is near Montana Peak in the Ruby area, which is rough, unforgiving terrain that is very steep and not near any roads or other civilization,” said the pilot in command. “This makes it challenging for agents on ground to work and traverse the area, and equally as tough for the group of IAs [Illegal Aliens] on the ground to traverse.”
According to accounts, the mission was still routine air search at the time, but as the mission progressed toward the North side of Montana Peak; a female Illegal Alien was detected. The woman appeared to be severely injured, could barely stand and looked as if to be saying “help me, help me”. The closest agents, besides the crew on the Lakota, were over 40 minutes away on foot.
“My function is the [sensor] operator”, the crew chief said. “It was a little abnormal, this woman is wearing a bright red shirt, leaned over on a walking stick and she’s waving at us. Normally we’re searching for Illegal Aliens who do not want to be found.”
Upon this realization, the crew decided that the BPA onboard, who is EMT qualified, would be dropped off to gain a better understanding of the situation. Understanding the difficult terrain in this area, the pilots opted to perform a “skids light” landing, to allow the BPA to offload the aircraft without compromising the aircraft. The BPA was able to immediately assesses the woman. He described her condition as “dehydrated, malnourished and having discoloration to the right ankle and calf”.
“The IA stated she had been without food or water for several days and her injuries were caused [directly to her] by people in her group, from crossing the border,” said the agent. “With all factors considered it was determined that she required immediate higher-level medical care.”
This routine mission quickly turned into a life-saving casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) mission.
The pilots successfully located a suitable landing site for the aircraft, allowing the crew chief to assist with the rescue.
Due to the lack of a litter and the rocky terrain, the BPA and crew chief carried the woman back to the Lakota. She was airlifted to Holy Cross Medical Center in Nogales to receive immediate medical attention.
The success of this mission can be attributed to the professionalism and expertise of the pilots and the Lakota Crew from TF Sentinel. Additionally, it highlights the unique military capabilities of the Joint Task Force – Southern Border brings and the benefits of interagency collaboration.
“The tactical and operational advantages provided through military partnership has enabled my team to improve our mission effectiveness, increase apprehensions, and rescue operations– expanding our overall capability to secure America’s borders,” said the agent. “The visible presence of military personnel and Border Patrol agents serves as a deterrent to illegal activities and ensures rapid response capabilities during surges in illegal crossings or emergencies.”
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), when the IA is released from the medical center she will go through the removal process and deported.
Story by Sgt. Timothy Jackson
DoD Southern Border 2025